Three Phases: Cowboys-Bears

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 4: DeMarco Murray #29 of the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball during the first quarter of a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 4, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Every week, we'll grade the Cowboys on the three phases of the weekend's game.

Offense: A+

Highlighted by workhorse DeMarco Murray's 41 offensive touchdowns (32 rushes), the Cowboys imposed their will on a weak Bears team and fought off a small rally late by putting up 41 points. Tony Romo tossed three touchdowns — two to Cole Beasley, who very nearly had a third — and the Cowboys scored on six straight possessions with five touchdowns and a field goal after a scoreless first quarter.

Sideline Images: Cowboys Vs. Bears

Defense: B

Early on, the Cowboys defense was doing a great job against the Bears and all of their weapons on offense. Brandon Marshall's long reception in the second quarter got the ball rolling a bit for the Bears before he left the game with an injury soon thereafter. After the Cowboys built a big lead, the defense caved a bit, but overall it was a solid performance with two turnovers, including a key strip on Matt Forte from Anthony Spencer that helped the Cowboys score two quick touchdowns back-to-back.

Dan Bailey was perfect, as usual. Chris Jones had a couple of nice punts in Bears territory, including one downed inside the 20. But there were some mistakes, too. Gavin Escobar flat-out dropped an onside kick that the Bears were able to recover and convert, making the game fairly interesting in the closing minutes. A needless block in the back penalty negated a Dwayne Harris punt return for a score.